Illegal alien with prior sexual assault conviction sentenced to federal prison for returning to the United States a sixth time

HOUSTON - A 42-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison for illegally reentering the United States again, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.

Jose Mario Cervantes-Luna pleaded guilty Dec. 10, 2025.

U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now ordered Cervantes-Luna to serve 24 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In imposing the sentence, the court noted Cervantes-Luna's repeated removals, significant criminal history, and the danger he posed to the community given his previous sexual offense conviction.

Cervantes-Luna has prior convictions for illegal reentry and sexual assault of a minor under 14 years of age.

Authorities previously removed him from the United States in 2004, 2011 and three times in 2012. On Dec. 17, 2020, law enforcement discovered him once again in the United States with no authorization to be in the country.

Cervantes-Luna has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Alum and Benjamin Hostetter prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.